One Sided Arrow - written by Jenny Tran

Chapter 16

Kathy was deep asleep when her cell phone rang. She picked it up annoyingly without looking at the flashing name “What do you want?”

“Nice to hear your voice too.” Mel said coolly.

Her eyes instantly popped open as she sat up “Mel? What are you calling for? Did something happen? Are you hurt?” she asked.

He chuckled “No. But I almost got myself killed. Are you free right now? I need to see you. We’ve got to talk about something.”

She instantly caught on to his serious tone “Sure. Let me change first.”

“You mean put on some clothes?” she could see the crooked smile on his face.

Kathy rolled her eyes “Clean that little dirty mind of yours. I’m wearing pajamas. Where should we meet?”

“Not too far, I’m downstairs.” He was hiding out at a nearby alley across the street from her apartment.

She frowned “How did you find my home so quickly?” she cradled the little cell phone on her shoulder as she put a jacket over herself. She walked over to her window and peaked out. Surely enough he was leaning on the wall of one of the buildings across the way. Kathy gave him a quick wave “Let me guess. Roach?”

“That’s what I like about you. You’re quick and very bright. Hurry down and be careful.” He warned.

She hung up her phone and quietly crept out of the house. But she did not notice that Neil’s room door was open and he was in the kitchen getting some water. He looked up and saw her rushing out, curiosity took over as he tiptoed after Kathy. He found her rushing across the street to talk to someone in the alley. He could not make out the faces because it was too dark. Instead he stood by the apartment gates to make sure she was back safely.

Kathy wrapped the jacket around herself and tied the belt around her waist “So what is it?”

Mel glanced around as he pulled her deeper into the alley “Old Chuck found me.” Kathy let out a short gasp as she covered her mouth “He got a hold of Snow and tried to get my location out of her but she wouldn’t budge. In return he gave her quite a welcome…which is not a good thing.”

Kathy widened her eyes fearfully “Is she okay?”

He nodded “Yes, she’s safe now. But you might not be. If he traces us back to Canada, he will realize you had something to do with me and your life will be in danger. Trust me, Old Chuck is as ruthless as 10 madmen put together. I want you to stay off the streets or any local bars as much as possible until this problem is resolved.”

She nodded blankly, but there was one concern she had “How will it be resolved?”

He smiled shortly “Death. Hopefully his…” he faded away when her brows furrowed and her head tilted to the floor. Mel reached over as he touched the bottom of her chin and pushed it upward “Hey…I’ll be fine. And you’ll be safe, that’s all that matters.” His voice has never been so gentle.

“I hope so.” She sighed. “When will the killing ever stop?” she wondered how he could live the dangerous life for so long.

“It will never stop.” His eyes darkened in the dim moonlight. “But we can hell as try to control it as much as we can. I’ll have Wong and a few guys patrol your place at nights, that’s when Old Chuck normally does his attacks.”

Kathy had nothing else to say about his plans, she learned long ago that Mel does not pull back on any of his plans. She nodded slightly and suddenly remembered what she wanted to ask him “Which reminds me. I need a favor from you.”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” He nodded firmly.

She laughed at his outrageous choice of words “You always make me laugh.” She shook her head “It’s nothing serious. Remember Neil?”

“The love of your life? The damn bastard I almost killed tonight?” he raised an eyebrow “Yeah, what about him?”

Kathy was hesitant “Well…if you say it that way…I’m not sure if I should ask.”

“If the favor is for you, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.” He said straightforwardly “But if it’s for him, I’ll sleep on it.”

“It’s actually for both of us. I want you to come by…whenever you have time…” she quickly added “To teach him how to be tough. He’s got this crush on a girl since like…high school. He just found out that she likes tough guys, I was wondering if you can-”

She stopped when he shook his head an apparent grin on his face “Katie…sweet innocent little Katie. You shouldn’t be helping him get the girl of his dreams, you should be slashing her face in the middle of the night so he wouldn’t pay attention to her anymore. Haven’t you heard of ‘Alls fair in love and war’?”

Kathy titled her head against the wall “I know it’s stupid of me to do this. But I just want him to be happy.”

“Bullshit!!” he cried. She quickly glanced around as he let out a sigh “Sorry. I have a hard time keeping my temper down lately. It just makes me mad what a great girl you are and this…” she gave him a stern look before he could throw out a cuss word “idiot can’t even see that he’s got an angel next to him.”

“There’s a lot of things you don’t understand…about me and especially Neil.” She started.

He snickered “I don’t care about the guy. I care about you.” He reached up a hand and placed it on her shoulder. She quickly inched away and he nodded “I know you don’t like me. I can take that…but if you want me to help out the guy you love to get the girl he’s lusting over…I guess I have no choice but to help you.”

Kathy looked up with a brightened face “Really? Oh, thank you so much!” she was so excited that she didn’t know whether to hug him, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression. So she reached out with both hands and shook his right hand roughly “Thank you so much.” She sighed with a grin on her face.

“Now go back to bed before I change my mind. I’ll give you a call when I’m ready to come up. It could be for a few weeks.” He warned.

She nodded, the grin still on her face “I understand. Thank you, Mel.”

He waved her off as she practically skipped across the street. He had to smile, that was all that took to make her smile. But in the back of his mind, he hoped that Neil would able to court the girl he wanted that way Kathy would eventually accept him.

That night Neil did not confront Kathy because he did not want her to know that he had followed her. When he saw her appear across the street, he quickly rushed up the apartment and went to bed. He made sure she closed the door and returned to her room before his worries were eased and he quickly fell asleep.

******************

Mel was not kidding when he said he would be gone for a few weeks. Kathy only attempted to call him once when she was wondering where he was. He did not pick up but she did not worry about him. She knew he was strong enough and definitely smart enough to get away.

She was working one day when the first phone call of the day interrupted her concentration on a new design “Kathy speaking.”

“Hey Mary.” The girl was snazzy with her greeting.

An instant smile appeared on Kathy’s face “Snow. Long time no hear. How have you been?”

“I’m still alive. I’ve got some crap to clear up with you. How about we meet at Midnite tonight?” she was vague but Kathy was quick enough to catch on what she meant by ‘crap’.

“Sure…oh, actually Mel advised me not to be out in public too much. Old Chuck might be looking for us.” She didn’t want to make it seem that he only cared about her.

Snow laughed “Don’t worry, I aint letting that fucker touch me again. I’ll bring my own goodies this time. Our talk will be short and sweet, I won’t waste your time.”

“You don’t waste my time, Snow. I’ll see you then.” Kathy hung up feeling odd. She knew this talk with Snow should be interested and there was no doubt Mel’s name will pop up.

***********

Later that night Kathy arrived at the bar and found Snow wearing brown leather boots with a tan colored top which only crossed over one shoulder and her skirt was a dark brown. Her leg was propped up on the stool next to her, obviously reserving it for Kathy. When she got closer, she noticed a guy trying to sit next to Snow but she quickly snapped at him “What the fuck do you want?” she widened her eyes and tilted her chin upward menacingly “This seat is taken.”

He seemed embarrassed as he quickly rushed away. Kathy shook her head with a smile as she approached Snow “No need to be so blunt.”

Snow dropped her leg and turned her stool to Kathy with her arms crossed “Well, well, well if it isn’t the Virgin Mary herself. Have a seat.” She pushed the chair closer to Kathy who then took a seat.

“What would you like, Miss?” the bartender asked.

“Beer.” Snow ordered for her as she brushed him away. “You do drink beer right? Or should I order an orange juice?”

“Beer is fine.” Kathy nodded not wanting to upset the girl. When her drink came, she took a short sip and gave the most disgusting face ever. She covered her mouth but swallowed the bitter drink causing Snow to burst up with laughter.

Snow shook her head “I don’t know what he sees in you.” She was snapping away at her gum.

Kathy frowned “You think Mel likes me?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know.” Snow shrugged her shoulders at Kathy “I know you’re a smart girl, Mel tells me all the time.” She gave her eyes a quick roll.

“I don’t like him.” She said bluntly. “If this talk is about fighting over Mel…I’ll just leave.” She began to step off the stool when Snow stopped her with her booted leg.

“Hold on Missy. I’m not done. I know you don’t like him, if you did you wouldn’t be sitting here with me. You’d be with him. I just want to clear up some things…Mel and I use to date…it was ages ago and unfortunately that dick has this spell on me. I can’t forget him. I know there is nothing I can do to stop him from liking you…but I sure can hell try.” Snow was as straight as anyone could get.

Kathy admired her integrity and such confidence, something she’s always lacked “You are really something, you know that Snow? Trust me, Mel and I don’t mix. We live in two different worlds, there is nothing that can happen which will get us together. Trust me.”

“Never say never.” Snow said shortly with a crooked grin.

“I suppose.” Kathy nodded “I’m curious about something.” Snow raised her eyebrow as she took out her gum and gulped down her beer. “Why did you…uh…start working…”

“As a hooker?” she asked. Kathy blushed slightly but nodded. Snow had a sudden distant look in her eyes “To get back at Mel.”

“Why?” Kathy wondered why any girl would do that to her own body.

Snow smiled grimly “While we were dating, he constantly slept with other women. He was a player…and I thought I would be able to keep an eye shut. But soon it got to me. I finally found it in my heart to leave him and ended up at an escort service. Every man that I went out with wanted to bang me eventhough it was not my job to. In the back of my mind I knew that Mel was watching…that’s just his style. He makes sure his girls, whether old or new are taken care of. So I started selling sex…it’s not for the money. I just wanted to hurt him.” Her eyes narrowed as she recalled her first job.

Kathy felt the sympathy for the girl “How do you do it, Snow? Every night…being with a man you don’t love…doesn’t it hurt?”

“Pain is my medicine for hate. The more pain I felt each night I worked, the more I hated Mel…for pushing me in this direction. He may not have been fully responsible for my choices but he started it...so I ended it. I have to psych myself every time I’m working that I was in a movie and it was all part of a movie…it was not real. I’m just acting.” A single tear dropped from her eyes as she quickly wiped it away.

“I’m sorry…” Kathy didn’t know what else to say.

“What for?” she snorted “Its no one’s fault but myself.”

“Why don’t you stop then?” Kathy asked with earnest eyes.

Snow finally realized how naïve she was “Once you get sucked into this life, you don’t get out easily. Those people that hired you…that rent you for the night will never let it happen. It’s a constant reminder when you see them that it is your life. There’s nothing you can do to change it.”

“That’s where I think you’re wrong. I believe everyone has control of their destiny, of the choices they make and you hold in your hand the power to change your life. It is still your choice in the end. All that BS about being reminded and it’s hard to get out…I don’t take it. That’s just your excuse not to face Mel and yourself.” She was quick to analyze the situation.

Snow rolled her gum around her mouth while her eyes smiled at Kathy “You’re good.” She leaned over the counter with her elbow propped up “I see why Mel can’t let go of you.” Her eyes turned over and suddenly they hardened. “Oh Shit.”

Kathy frowned “What is it?” she followed her gaze and noticed Big Chuck who is actually known as Old Chuck with streaks of white and blue on his black hair. The girls exchanged glances, it was too late to run. He was already approaching them.

Chapter 17

The girls glanced at each other, Snow looked ready to attack while Kathy was beginning to shiver. Here was the same guy that use to pick on her and now he was an enemy of Mel. There was no winning no matter how she looked at it. The two stood up when Old Chuck walked towards them with a hand in his pocket as he pulled out a cigarette and began smoking. He took a puff and smiled at them “Well if it isn’t the slut of East.”

Kathy looked over at Snow, it was obvious he was talking about her. “What do you want?” she asked despite of her fear.

His eyes wandered over to her and there was a sudden interest. He stepped over to her and Snow quickly intervened between them. Kathy cowered down behind Snow, her eyes dodging everyone. A crowd soon began to grow but Old Chuck was relentless “Get out of my fucking way!!” he pushed at Snow harshly and she fell to the ground. No one dared help her up but Kathy. She reached for her friend only to be pushed back by Old Chuck. “And who is this little beauty? Why are you talking to this whore? Let me guess…one of Mel’s girls?”

“No, she’s not!!” Snow pushed herself off the ground “She’s just an old friend of mine. She doesn’t know anything! Leave her out of it!” she cried angrily.

Old Chuck raised his eyebrow as he turned his body and sat down on the stool next to Kathy “You want to be a good little girl and tell me or do you want me to beat the shit out of her?”

“You can’t get away with this. There are witnesses everywhere.” Kathy was shivering but her voice remained calm.

He laughed as he turned to the crowd “Anybody see anything?!” he roared and instantly, the crowd disbursed. His grin grew more evil as he turned to Kathy “Tsk, tsk, tsk looks like you guys are out of luck. Johnny…” he nodded to a guy with blond color hair. To Kathy’s shock he slapped Snow straight across the face and in a heartbeat Snow began fighting back.

“Stop!!” Kathy cried helplessly while Old Chuck grinned away at Snow’s rough beating. She turned to him and shook his arm “Please, stop, you’ll kill her. I’ll tell you where Mel is.”

At the magic words, Old Chuck brought up a hand to stop his boys from beating Snow to unconsciousness “Now that’s a good girl.” He purred as his fingers traced her face seductively. His eyes narrowed suddenly “Do I know you from somewhere?”

Kathy shook her head vehemently “No…I’ve never met you in my life.”

“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly forgetting that he was looking for Mel.

Kathy looked around and saw Snow’s head shake a little indicating for her not to tell. She took a deep breath before answering “Mary.”

“Mary?” Old Chuck was still suspicious. He snapped a finger at the bartender “Is that her name?”

The guy nodded fearfully “I heard her…” he pointed to Snow “call her Mary when she came in.”

Snow practically let out a sigh of relief. Old Chuck nodded “Okay, fine…Mary. Who are you to Mel…and how can you find him?”

Kathy searched her mind for a reason but there was nothing she could think of “We use to…uh…”

“They use to be lovers okay?” Snow blurted out and pushed her way next to Kathy. “But Mel hurt her really bad and she has not seen him for years.”

Kathy nodded while Old Chuck turned to Snow with a vengeance “Who the fuck asked you!” his eyes widened at Snow. They softened when he turned to Kathy “Find him now…or I’ll kill your little friend…unless you want to watch a live sex show?”

Snow was not afraid as she opened her mouth to say something while Kathy was fearful for her friend’s life “No! Okay…I’ll find him.” She pulled out her cell phone while her eyes moved around the crowd. It landed on Neil who stood by the door, his eyes digging into hers. She turned back shortly and dialed Mel’s number. In her mind she was praying ‘Don’t pick up, don’t pick up.’ Unfortunately, he did.

“Hi Katie…what’s up?” he sounded happy to hear from her.

“Melvin….I” She didn’t have a chance to finish as Old Chuck took it from her hand and hung up the line. Kathy turned to him strangely “What are you doing?”

He pointed her cell phone at her face viciously “Don’t fuck with me! Why did you call him Melvin? Is that some kind of a secret code?”

Kathy rolled her eyes “That’s his real name. He just goes by Mel Gor. I don’t call him Mel, if I did…he would be very suspicious not that he isn’t right now.”

Old Chuck seemed to take her reason as he slowly handed her back the phone “Fine…call him back and tell him to come here…by himself.”

Kathy nodded as she began dialing again “Melvin?”

Mel was a mess after that first call, she never called him Melvin. He knew there was something wrong “Where are you? Are you in trouble? Old Chuck found you?” he was only guessing the worse.

“Yes…it’s been long time since we’ve talked. How have you been? I’m talking with Snow and your name came up.” she said it more brightly with 20 pairs of eyes looking at her. Her hand was quivering at one point and Old Chuck reached up and steadied her hand with his fingers. She jumped back and accidentally dropped her phone as it crashed on the ground. Old Chuck didn’t seem bothered by her reaction as he bent over and picked up her cell phone. Kathy inched back “I’m sorry…I was scared…I didn’t get a chance to say…I…” she trailed off.

Old Chuck shook his head “Shhh…Don’t be scared…How about we all take a ride?” he spoke softly and it gave Kathy chills up her spine. “Mel doesn’t come to us so we’ll come to Mel?” his faced hardened as he snapped a finger at his boys “Get them.”

Snow quickly blocked Kathy while the guys pushed and pulled at her. Suddenly a gunshot was heard outside. Everyone’s attention turned to the door where at least 10 policemen in normal clothing stood. The head cop was a tall and very masculine. His hair was shaved almost bald and he had a gun in his hand, obviously the shot came from him. He smiled at the crowd and walked over to Old Chuck’s gang “What’s going on?”

“Nothing Sir, you can leave…we’re just talking.” One of Old Chuck’s boy answered.

Gary (Marcos Ngai) continued his way through until he faced Old Chuck in the face “Why if it isn’t Chuckie…” his lip curled up into a smile “I’ve been looking for your ass for a long time. What are you doing here? Picking on girls?”

Old Chuck looked uninterested “Chan Sir, is it illegal to pick up girls at bars?”

“Pick up girls? No, that’s not a crime…” Gary shook his head “It’s a crime to threaten people, it’s a crime to beat up people…” he turned his head towards Snow.

“I think she fell and hurt herself…right?” Old Chuck’s eyes evilly glared at Snow.

She knew what she had to say “No one hit me, I like being abuse.” Snow said coldly.

The boys blew up with laughter and Old Chuck brought his hands out “See? I didn’t touch her. What the hell are you going to do about it? What are you gonna take me in for? Calling a hooker?” he reached over and pulled Snow by her neck.

Gary instantly took Old Chuck’s free hand and twisted it behind him, that’s when he let go of Snow. Gary pulled out his gun and aimed it at his head “Don’t ever mistreat a lady in front of me!” he growled angrily.

Kathy reached for Snow as the girls held onto each other. Snow’s face was badly bruised but she showed no pain. Her eyes softened when Gary looked up at her with a short nod of the head. “Thank you.” She whispered.

“Let go of me!!” Old Chuck cried as he easily pushed Gary away. “If you got balls then arrest me, but if you don’t have any proof then leave me the fucking alone!”

Gary smiled shortly “My men just found a couple of illegal night clubs in Sa Tin, any of them yours?”

“Fuck!” Old Chuck cursed as he turned to his boys “I told you guys to be careful!”

“Not so fast…” Gary stopped them when they turned to leave “We have a warrant for your arrest.” He pulled out the legal document and showed it to Old Chuck “You are suspicious of having underage girls for prostitution. We have to take you back for questioning.” He smiled and tilted his head “What’s wrong? Lost for words?”

“Eat shit!” Old Chuck blurted out as he was pulled away by the cops. Gary turned to the girls “Next time call the police. Here’s my personal number.” He handed the card to Snow with a smile and gave them a quick nod. He passed by Neil who was not too far from the girls and gave his shoulder a quick pat. “I think you can take it on from here right?” he turned his head and gave Snow a last glance.

Kathy finally let out a long breath as she closed her eyes. Neil walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder “You okay?”

No, she was not okay, she was scared to death by what just happened. Her lips quivered and he quickly reached out his arms and hugged her warmly “It’s okay now.” He rocked her gently while she let the tears fall out.

Snow reached for her phone as she put a call into Mel “We’re okay…just a few cuts and bruises.” Her eyes rolled “No, she was untouched.” Then her eyes turned up to a smile “I’m fine. You don’t have to thank me.” She suddenly frowned “Okay…” Snow reached over Neil’s arm and tapped Kathy on the shoulder “Mel wants to talk to you.”

Kathy pulled herself away from Neil but his arms remained on her shoulder as she answered the call “Mel?”

“You okay?” he asked bluntly.

She nodded into the phone “Yes. Just a little shaken up. Good thing Neil called the police.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t mess with you again. I’ll guarantee it.” He said darkly.

Kathy frowned “Mel, it’s not worth it.”

“Yes it is. Where is he now?” he asked.

“The cops took him in for questioning. Looks like they might keep him there for 48 hours.” Kathy sighed. “At least we’ll have two days of peace. Anyways, I’m a bit tired, so I’ll go home now.”

“Want me to take you home? I’m close by.” He offered.

Kathy smiled “No, Neil’s here. I’ll be fine.” She looked up at her friend who had a grim expression on his face. She hung up the phone and handed it back to Snow “You need a ride home?”

Snow shook her head “No, I’ve got my pepper spray.” She smiled and waved them goodbye.

“You know the police?” she recalled when Gary greeted Neil.

“He’s actually a distant cousin. I remember my mom telling me about him a while back but I never really contacted him until recently. I had to call my mom for his cell phone. That’s how he got hear so fast.” Neil explained. “Let’s go.” He was still supporting her eventhough she was no longer shaking.

Chapter 18

“Who?”

“This Mel guy…I heard from Kelly that he is a dangerous guy.” His concern was building up the more he realized Kathy’s life would be in danger.

Kathy smiled “Long story.” she let out a short sigh.

“Tell me, I have all night, since I can’t sleep now.” He patted her hand gently.

They arrived at their apartment with Kathy telling Neil everything about Mel. How they met and how she came to save his life. They sat in the dimmed living room talking and even then Kathy could see the concern written all over his face “I regret telling you now.”

He looked up suddenly “Why?”

“Because you look like a worried grandma right now.” She laughed.

Neil tilted his head as he reached for her hand “I’ve always worried about you. When we were in high school, I use to think during my classes if you were being picked on or not. And who I would have to beat up when I found out. Then when you went to Canada, I was always worried so I tried to keep myself busy. That’s why each time you called, I was tired or sleeping. Even now that you are back and being my roommate, I still worry. I guess I am a worry wart.”

“The situation tonight doesn’t ease it huh?” Kathy smiled as she patted his hand “Don’t worry about me…you have other people to worry about too. How about your crush on Kelly?”

“That’s what I’ve been meaning to tell you…” he began.

She put up a hand to silence him “I know, I understand…I know you like her. And I will help you to try to get her. Okay? I asked Mel to give you a few pointers in how to be tough. She’ll just swoon over you after show her you can be just as tough. Don’t forget to treat me to a lobster dinner after you two get together.” She smiled brightly.

Neil shook his head “No…actually, I wanted to say-”

Again Kathy silenced him “Hey, we’ll talk again tomorrow. I’m really tired right now.” She let out a small yawn “Sleep tight.” She gave him a quick hug and returned to her room to sleep. Inside her room, she sat on her bed and turned on her bedside lamp. Under her pillow was the purple letter. A small smile came on her face as she remembered how they came about with the letter. When he gave it to her at their graduation. Since she returned to Hong Kong, she has not mentioned about the letter and she only guessed he didn’t want to talk about it. Or maybe he already forgot about it. Either way, Kathy was not able to forget it.

**************

The next night after their close encounter, Kathy was convinced by Neil that they should stay away from Midnite for a while. She was boiling some pasta one night while Neil was washing the lettuce “Maybe we can find another club.” Kathy suggested.

“Maybe.” Neil said half heartedly. He wasn’t in the mood to chase after the crush. He had stayed up so many nights just readjusting his mind. He asked himself so many questions that he began to feel suffocated. But he knew one thing, he was beginning to have feelings for Kathy. Never in his life had he worried about anyone like her.

“I didn’t see her that one night, is she still going to Midnite?” Kathy asked with curiosity.

Neil turned up to her with wrinkled brows “I heard there’s this new club that just opened, it’s very cool it’s called ‘Storm’.”

Kathy turned and crossed her arm “I think I heard some of the co-workers talking about that.” The two stopped talking when there was a sudden knock on the door. She frowned and titled her head at Neil “Who do you think that is?”

“I don’t know. I’ll get it.” He didn’t notice he had on an apron around his waist when he swung the door open and there stood the guy that he almost got in a fight with at Midnite. “You…what do you want?”

Mel lifted a brow as he eyed Neil carefully “Cute.” He pointed to the apron and Neil instantly covered himself. Mel turned towards the stairway “Fuck! How long does it take for you two to walk up? I told you to exercise more often.”

Neil looked down and saw Wong along with Roach panting as they held onto the stairwell. “What do you want?” Neil asked again.

Mel chuckled as he pulled his hand in his pocket and Neil mistook it for a weapon and jumped into his fight stance “Don’t try anything. I know kung fu!” he pointed his hand at the guys who gave him a strange look.

“Dude, what the fuck is wrong with him?” Roach mumbled to Mel.

“He’s crazy.” Wong whispered “We should get the hell out of here.”

Mel turned to the two with authority “You chicken shits, come on.” He pulled the two into the house with Neil backing up but still in his ready to fight mode.

“Look…I…I can fight you…don’t step any closer…” his eyes were wide but they were full of fear.

Mel shook his head “I had no idea Katie liked nutty guys.”

“Katie? You got the wrong house…no one is named Katie here.” Neil said stubbornly.

“Shut up.” Mel pushed him aside “Katie!!” he cried into the apartment.

She was tasting her sauce when she heard Mel’s voice. She dropped the spoon and rushed out and found Neil bouncing around like a mad man while Wong and Roach mimicked Neil’s bounce. Mel on the other hand sat coolly on the couch with a cigarette between his fingers. She smiled when she saw him “No smoking.” She wagged her finger at him.

Mel shrugged “Your guard dog scared me so bad, I had to light a smoke to calm myself.” He nodded at Neil who was being harassed by the other two guys.

Kathy frowned as she pushed away at Roach and Wong “Stop playing guys.” She touched Neil on the arm “You okay? They’re just messing with you.”

“Its okay…I wasn’t scared.” Neil tried to remain cool. Kathy smiled. “Who is he?”

Kathy suddenly remembered they were never properly introduced, she took his hand and pulled him in front of Mel “This is Mel.”

Neil widened his eyes, so this was the big tough guy that was causing all the stir. He wouldn’t have ever guessed. “You can call him Mel Gor.” Wong nodded.

“No, he doesn’t have to.” Kathy spoke up in her friend’s defense. “Mel, this is Neil.” The guys only nodded but refused to shake hands “I know you two got off on the wrong foot, it was all a misunderstanding, can’t you just forget about it?”

Neil smiled at Kathy, it was obviously important to her that they got along. He reached down at Mel with a broad hand “Nice to meet you.”

Mel glanced up and looked down at his hand. Instead of shaking it, he gave it a loud pat as he swung his hand to the side “Let’s cut the crap. Katie told me you needed help in your manhood…so let’s start.”

“Actually…I don’t think-” Neil began only to be cut off by Kathy.

“Great! Let’s start.” Kathy clapped her hands happily. “Oh shoot, I forgot my dinner. I’ll go check, you guys start.” She pointed to Mel “Be nice.”

He smiled with his hand to the sides “I’m always nice.” The minute she left, the smile disappeared as he stood up and snapped his finger at the other two “Stand guard.” They laughed as they pushed each other playfully and stood outside the door leaving Mel and Neil alone.

“I don’t need help…actually, I’m not planning to chase after this girl anymore.” Neil said honestly.

Mel laughed “Not according to Katie.”

“She doesn’t know. I tried to tell her, but she always turns the conversations around.” He explained.

Mel let out a sigh “So what do you want me to do about it? She asked for a favor so I have to do it. I don’t like to owe anyone anything.” A daze came over his eyes “But I owe her my life.”

“I know she told me.” Neil glanced towards the kitchen “I actually like Katie.” He whispered.

Mel’s eyes hardened as they raised with curiosity “Have you told her?” Neil shook his head “I don’t think you should.”

Neil frowned “Why not?”

“Because you don’t want to hurt her.” Neil was confused by what Mel was saying “Do I fucking have to spell it out??” he let out an exasperated sigh “Look, Katie put so much effort into helping you get this girl…who ever she is, Katie thinks you two match. She told me herself that she only wants you to be happy. Only then can she move on with her life. I think it’s unfair for her to be stuck in a place that she doesn’t want to be in.”

“Why didn’t she ever tell me this?” Neil asked.

Mel laughed “Because she’s a sweet girl. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt your feelings. You may not know this, but she told me about the letter you wrote to her years ago before she came to Canada.” Neil’s eyes widened wondering if indeed she still remembered it because he never forgot it. “She feels like she owes you something for writing that letter. If you don’t move on, she’ll never move on.”

Neil found himself in an emotional dilemma “But…”

“But what? It’s unfair for you to hold onto her when she’s already let go. You need to move on, Neil.” Mel coaxed. His face hardened when Kathy came back.

“It’s not burned, just a little toasty.” She giggled and took a seat on the single seat sofa “So, how is it going?”

“Pretty good, just running some notes with him.” Mel smiled.

Neil nodded slowly “Yeah.”

Mel laughed “Show her the walk I taught you.” Neil looked up at him blankly and Mel gave him a little wink indicating for him to go on with the skit.

“I want to see.” Kathy said with interest. Neil felt like a dummy as he got up and walked casually along the walkway. Kathy frowned “That sucked.” She turned to Mel “Is that what you taught him?”

He shrugged his shoulders “Not my fault if he’s a slow learner.”

Kathy stood up “Here I’ll show you Neil.” She put a hand in her sweatpants pocket and strode across the room coolly with a little limp of the leg giving it an edge.

Mel clapped his hands “Not bad.”

She gave them a little curtsy “Thank you.” She pulled Neil by the arm “Come on, you try it.”

Neil’s eyes met hers, he wanted to say something but quickly noticed Mel’s shake of the head. He knew what he had to do “Okay.” Copying her to perfection as he did the walk.

Kathy clapped her hands “That was great! Okay what’s next?”

Mel put some thought into it “How about dialogue? Your prissy little man doesn’t even curse, that girl would never believe he’s a tough guy.”

“That’s true.” Kathy turned to Neil “Try saying something…”

Neil smiled sadly “I can’t.”

“Sure you can.” Kathy coaxed “Think of the moment that Kelly is being picked on and you want to protect her. Girls like that kind of stuff. Say if a guy was trying to hit on her but he’s being rude about it? What would you say to shoo him off?”

Mel knew he needed a push “Here let me try.” He took Kathy and placed him close to Neil “Now I’ll play the guy.” He smiled flirtatiously at Kathy “Hey there sweet thing, wanna go make some sparks with me?” he leaned over and brushed her cheek with his lips but she played along well as she turned away and inched herself closer to Neil.

“Hey…leave her alone.” Neil began.

Mel turned to him harshly “Fuck off!!” he pushed Neil away and he stumbled back. He wrapped an arm around Kathy who was fighting him off “Come on, lose him, he’s just chicken shit!” he spat roughly while tempting Neil’s anger.

Neil’s face was boiling red as he charged at Mel and pushed him roughly away with a roar “I said fucking leave her alone!!” he took Kathy in his arms and hugged her dearly, he wasn’t ready to let her go, how could he be so stupid to not how important she was to him? Now he’s going to lose her because she’s moved on.

Kathy looked up at him strangely “That’s a bit dramatic, but good.” She turned to Mel who was nodding and smiling at them. “Am I missing something?”

“No, nothing…he did well.” Mel smiled slyly “I don’t think I will be of anymore use to you two. Looks like your boy is finally a man.” Mel gave Kathy a quick wink “Be safe.” He left the apartment leaving Neil looking extra worried.

Kathy shook her head at the door where Mel just left “Triads…they’re so strange, don’t you agree…Neil?” she frowned when she notice he had dazed off. She reached out and shook him lightly.

“Huh? Oh…yeah…” Neil mumbled.

“What’s wrong? Did he threaten you? Because if he did, I’ll give him a piece of my mind.” Kathy nodded firmly.

Neil laughed at her with his head shaking “No momma, he didn’t.” he teased. “But he did tell me some good stuff.”

Kathy raised her brows “Really? That’s cool. Is it useful in getting Kelly?” Neil nodded blankly. “Great, then you’re ready to tackle this task? Wait til she sees the new Neil. Every girl in the club will be drooling.” He smiled weakly while she babbled on about how he should dress and so forth.

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